Robert De Niro's Wives And Girlfriends: Inside The $500M Divorce Battle And His New Life With Tiffany Chen

Robert De Niro’s personal life continues to be as dramatic and captivating as his on-screen roles, with the legendary actor navigating a complex family structure, a years-long, high-stakes divorce, and a new relationship that has made him a father of seven at the age of 80. As of late 2024, the primary focus remains on the finalization of his tumultuous split from his second wife, Grace Hightower, and his low-key, loving partnership with martial arts expert Tiffany Chen.

The most recent and significant development centers on the financial fallout from his separation from Grace Hightower, where a New York court delivered a critical ruling that saved the actor from potentially losing half of his estimated $500 million fortune. Meanwhile, De Niro is embracing life with his youngest daughter, Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro, whom he welcomed in April 2023 with his current partner, Tiffany Chen. This article delves into the full timeline of his relationships and the current status of his famously private family.

Robert De Niro: A Complete Biographical Profile and Family Tree

Robert De Niro is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors in cinematic history, but his personal life has been defined by a series of long-term relationships and a large, blended family. His relationships span decades, from the 1970s to the present day, resulting in seven children with four different women.

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Robert De Niro Biography Snapshot

• Full Name: Robert Anthony De Niro Jr.
• Date of Birth: August 17, 1943
• Age (as of 2024): 81
• Place of Birth: Greenwich Village, New York City, U.S.
• Notable Career Highlights: Two-time Academy Award winner for *The Godfather Part II* (1974) and *Raging Bull* (1980). Other iconic films include *Taxi Driver*, *The Deer Hunter*, *Goodfellas*, and *The Irishman*.

De Niro's Seven Children and Their Mothers

De Niro is a proud father to seven children, each representing a different chapter in his life:

• Drena De Niro (b. 1971) and Raphael De Niro (b. 1976): Adopted daughter and biological son with his first wife, Diahnne Abbott (m. 1976; div. 1988). Raphael is now a successful real estate broker.
• Julian Henry De Niro and Aaron Kendrick De Niro (b. 1995): Twin sons with his long-term partner, model Toukie Smith. They were conceived via in vitro fertilization and carried by a surrogate.
• Elliot De Niro (b. 1998) and Helen Grace De Niro (b. 2011): Son and daughter with his second wife, Grace Hightower. Helen was born via surrogate. Elliot has special needs, and De Niro has spoken publicly about his pride in him.
• Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro (b. April 2023): Daughter with his current partner, Tiffany Chen.

The $500 Million Battle: De Niro's Years-Long Divorce from Grace Hightower

The separation between Robert De Niro and his second wife, Grace Hightower, became one of the most protracted and expensive celebrity divorce cases in recent memory. The couple married in 1997, separated briefly in 1999, renewed their vows, and finally split in 2018 after over two decades together.

The core of the years-long legal battle was the division of De Niro's substantial wealth, which is estimated to be around $500 million.

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The Prenuptial Agreement and Court Ruling

Hightower’s legal team argued that she was entitled to half of De Niro's entire fortune, including all earnings and assets accumulated during their 20-year marriage.

However, a crucial prenuptial agreement signed by the couple ultimately limited Hightower's claim.

The New York Court of Appeals delivered a major ruling in De Niro's favor, upholding the terms of the post-nuptial agreement.

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The ruling determined that Hightower was not entitled to a 50% split of the total fortune. Instead, the court mandated that De Niro must pay Hightower $1 million annually.

This settlement also included the sale of the former marital home, with Hightower receiving a substantial sum to purchase a new home. The finalization of this complex property division has been a central theme in the media coverage of the actor’s personal life throughout 2024.

Who is Tiffany Chen? The Martial Arts Champion and Mother of His Seventh Child

Following his separation, Robert De Niro began a relationship with martial arts instructor Tiffany Chen. The couple met in 2015 while filming the movie *The Intern*, where Chen played a Tai Chi instructor hired to teach De Niro’s character.

Their romantic relationship became public in 2021, and they have maintained a notably low-key profile, only occasionally appearing together at public events.

Tiffany Chen's Background and Career

Tiffany Chen is a highly respected figure in the world of martial arts, boasting an impressive competitive history.

• Tai Chi Master: Chen is a professional Tai Chi specialist who has earned numerous awards and medals in international competitions.
• Family Legacy: She was born into a kung-fu family; her father is the renowned Grandmaster William C.C. Chen, a disciple of the famous Yang Tai Chi Master Cheng Man Ching.
• Early Achievement: She achieved her first major recognition in 1994, winning the Tai Chi Youth Division at the age of 17.
• Wellness Advocate: Beyond competition, Chen works as a fitness instructor and wellness advocate.

The Newest Addition: Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro

In April 2023, the couple welcomed their daughter, Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro, making Robert De Niro a father for the seventh time at 79 years old.

Tiffany Chen is reportedly 46 years old in 2024, creating a significant age difference of approximately 36 years between the couple.

De Niro has expressed his joy over the new baby, referring to his partner as his "girlfriend" and emphasizing the happiness she has brought to his life. The birth of Gia has cemented Tiffany Chen's place as the actor's current and most significant partner, marking a new, quieter chapter in his famously turbulent love life.

De Niro's Enduring Legacy and Future Relationships

The public fascination with Robert De Niro's relationships stems from his status as a cinematic icon and his willingness to embrace fatherhood late in life. His relationship with Tiffany Chen, a woman with a strong professional identity outside of Hollywood, contrasts sharply with the high-profile drama of his divorce from Grace Hightower.

The conclusion of the Hightower divorce settlement in 2024 effectively closes a difficult financial chapter for the actor, allowing him to focus on his career—which remains active with recent collaborations with Martin Scorsese—and his family life.

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